I approached this latest Jetstar experience like every Jetstar experience, with very little expectation. Usually, if I land at the other end within 30 minutes of my scheduled arrival time, I consider it a win.

Some might read this and think I’m espousing privilege, but when travel is your life and your career, the performance of an airline matters. And let’s be honest, the world’s budget airlines (like Jetstar) haven’t been on the pedestals of performance as they’ve had to wrench themselves from the shackles of the pandemic.

Full disclosure, I’m a Virgin Velocity Platinum member. My loyalty wavered slightly when the company went into voluntary administration in 2020. But three hours into my Business Class Jetstar flight to Tokyo’s Narita Airport, I have to admit, it wavered again.

This is one premium flying experience Australians need to take advantage of before everyone else discovers this secret and affordable luxury.

Related story: United Airlines Polaris Business Class is miles above the rest 

Arriving at Cairns Airport, the Jetstar surprises started early. A dedicated check-in line whisked me past the hordes of other passengers who (judging by their glances of disdain) had been waiting for an hour already. It may have been my imagination, but I could’ve sworn the carpet was also tinged redder than the usual Jetstar orange.

At the gate, I’m greeted by staff like an old friend. Again, I’m catching side looks from economy passengers who could be forgiven for thinking I was a Jetstar Flight Attendant.

On the plane, I’m sitting in seat 2D. While it’s obviously not Business Class as you know it (more akin to Premium Economy on most other airlines), the hospitality is still first-class.

I received a sparkling wine on arrival and a tote bag on my seat (dubbed a “Chill Kit”) containing all I needed for a few hours of rest.

Jetstar’s Business Class seats are in a cramped 2-3-2 layout, so I advise aiming for one of the aisle seats. However, the amount of passengers within the Jetstar Business cabin is smaller than other airlines. This allows more opportunities for flight attendants to shove snacks and booze down my throat in the opening hour of the flight. A big tick from me.

Take-off allows for the usual pomp and ceremony in premium economy elsewhere, as my dedicated attendants closed the curtains and cocooned us from the rest of the plane.

I’d consider anything over six hours as a long haul, so at 181 centimetres tall, the additional legroom and seat reclining pitch was welcome. Don’t be like me and only discover the leg rest extension towards the end of your flight.

Related story: Best domestic airlines to avoid flight delays and cancellations

Unlike the no-frills economy seats, entertainment on Jetstar’s Dreamliners is free, as are the noise-cancelling headphones. Lunch and dinner are divine and perfectly timed. My lamb and polenta were served piping hot, and my silverware was metallic and cold.

Is it worth it for your next trip to Japan? Absolutely. Suppose you decouple the usual association of lying flat on a traditional Business Class ticket. In that case, Jetstar’s option is a premium service that is hard to beat on hospitality and price.

If you’re as eager to get back to the Land of The Rising Sun as much as I was, a Business Class return ticket next summer (June-July 2023) will set you back a smidge over AU$2,000. Compare that with a Premium Economy seat on Japan Airlines at AU$3,200.

I landed in Tokyo seven hours later, feeling like a high flyer. I picked up my bag at the carousel and glanced at my Velocity bag tag. As competition in the international flying sector heats up and demand comes off, we may see prices finally come down. That will mean affordable options like Jetstar’s Business Class will be harder for Aussies to pass up.

The writer travelled to Tokyo as a guest of Jetstar Airways.

This article originally appeared on escape.com.au. It has been reproduced here with permission.

Related story: Just realised you booked a codeshare flight? Here’s what that means